Windows 10: Computer sees the printer, says it's active but can't print anything.

Discus and support Computer sees the printer, says it's active but can't print anything. in Windows 10 Software and Apps to solve the problem; Split from this thread. troubleshoot printer My computer does not respond with my printer anymore. It sees the printer, it says it's active. But can't... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Software and Apps' started by Paul Beaubien, May 5, 2025 at 3:12 PM.

  1. PAUL BEAUBIEN
    Paul Beaubien Win User

    Computer sees the printer, says it's active but can't print anything.


    Split from this thread. troubleshoot printer My computer does not respond with my printer anymore. It sees the printer, it says it's active. But can't print anything.All I get is an error message. Please help.

    :)
     
    Paul Beaubien, May 5, 2025 at 3:12 PM
    #1
  2. JAN123
    Jan123 Win User

    Windows 10 Home Won't Print to Remote Printer


    I have three computers.
    Machine 1: Windows 10 pro, has the USB Brother HL-5040 printer
    Machine 2: Windows 10 pro, prints OK to the remote printer.
    Machine 3: Windows 10 home, Used to print, but not anymore (THIS IS THE PROBLEM).
    I’ve tried everything that I can think of, and would appreciate any suggestions.
    I did these steps on Machine 3 that did not work.

    1. Remove the printer device.
    2. Add a Printer
    3. The printer that I want isn’t listed
    4. Select a shared printer by name
    5. Browse
    6. Select the displayed Machine 1.
    7. Select the displayed Printer.
    8. Next
    9. Failure “Connect to Printer”.
    10. Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or Hostname
    11. Next
    12. Set Hostname to Machine 2, and set port name.
    13. Detecting TCP/IP Port
    14. Additional Port information required.
    15. Device Type – Standard, Brother Port Server
    16. Next
    17. Detecting the Driver Model
    18. Install The Print Driver
    19. Select Brother and Brother HL-5040
    20. Next
    21. Replace the Current Driver
    22. Printer Name (setting it to HL-5040)
    23. Next
    24. Do not share this printer
    25. Next
    26. You’ve successfully added “HL-5040”
    27. Finish
    Printing on Machine 3 puts the document in the print queue, which reports error printing.
    Printing from Machine 2 to the printer on Machine 1 works perfectly.
    All three machines are in the same HomeGroup. Machine 3 can access the shared files from Machine 1.
     
    Jan123, May 5, 2025 at 3:20 PM
    #2
  3. TERRYGELCHIE
    TerryGelchie Win User
    my printer is not printing from the computer

    Hi my printer can print copies but will not print directly from my computer? Tried all of the suggestions you had listed but it still is not printing unless I want a copy? HELP!

    Theresa Gelchie
     
    TerryGelchie, May 5, 2025 at 3:20 PM
    #3
  4. ROLANDO VIL
    Rolando Vil Win User

    Computer sees the printer, says it's active but can't print anything.

    Print to PDF missing in Printer List

    Hi William,

    We suggest that you disable and re-enable the Print to PDF feature. Here are the steps:

    • Click on the Start menu and type in Windows Features.
    • Choose Turn Windows features on or off.
    • On the next window, find Microsoft Print to PDF and disable it. Click
      OK to save changes.
    • Restart your PC.
    • Repeat the same steps to re-enable Microsoft Print to PDF.
    If the issue persists, we suggest that you perform the troubleshooting steps suggested on the link below under
    Advanced:

    Fix printer problems

    Regards.
     
    Rolando Vil, May 5, 2025 at 3:20 PM
    #4
Thema:

Computer sees the printer, says it's active but can't print anything.

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